Empire, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
341
-11.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,929/yr
10.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
321
-6.1% year-over-year change

Empire population

How many people live in Empire

Empire is home to 341 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Empire locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
341
-11.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
165
Female
51.6%
176
Value Percent YoY change
Male 165 48.4% -13.2%
Female 176 51.6% -9.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Empire is 64, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 2.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.1% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 43.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
63.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
2.4%
25 to 44
14.1%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
43.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 60 17.6% -7.7%
15 to 24 8 2.4% 166.7%
25 to 44 48 14.1% 6.7%
45 to 64 78 22.9% -19.6%
Over 65 147 43.1% -15.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Empire, 99.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 338 99.1% -11.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3 0.9% -25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 318 93.3%
Two or more races 23 6.7%

Households in Empire

A peek inside Empire households

Empire has 172 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
172
-10.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
67
Family households
105
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 67 39% -19.3%
Family households 105 61% -4.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Empire

The housing landscape of Empire

Empire's housing consists of 321 units, with 90.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
321
-6.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 291 90.6%
1 unit, attached 10 3.1%
2 units 5 1.6%
5 to 9 units 2 0.6%
10 to 19 units 13 4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Empire

In Empire, the median construction year is 1977. About 20.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 65 20.2% -15.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1 0.3% -85.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 25 7.8% -28.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 37 11.5% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 48 15% -20.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 21 6.5% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 20 6.2% 5.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 50 15.6% 13.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 54 16.8% 28.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Empire occupancy rates

Out of the 172 occupied housing units in Empire, 79.6% are owner-occupied, while 20.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 46.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
172
-10.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
35
Owner occupied
137
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 35 20.4% 0.0%
Owner occupied 137 79.6% -13.3%
Unoccupied housing units
46.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Empire housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$850/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.

Education in Empire

Empire education at a glance

About 16.7% of the population in Empire went to high school, while 17.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 29% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 26.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1 0.4% -50.0%
High school diploma 46 16.7% -4.2%
College diploma 48 17.4% -27.3%
Associate degree 27 9.8% -28.9%
Bachelor's degree 80 29% -4.8%
Graduate degree 74 26.8% -5.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Empire

How much people earn in Empire

The average annual household income in Empire was $137,520 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,929, reflecting a +10.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Empire
$137,520/year
15.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Empire
$83,929/year
10.5% year-over-year change

Empire income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $117,917 overall. Overall, 85.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $117,917 62.6%
Over 65 $103,333 10.2%
Above poverty level
291
Below poverty level
50
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 291 85.3% -10.7%
Below poverty level 50 14.7% -5.7%

Average renter income in Empire

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Empire, their median household income was $57,083 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$57,083
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Empire

Workforce and job types in Empire

The job market in Empire is powered by 120 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15% run their own businesses, 65% are employed by private companies, and 14.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
120
-11.1% year-over-year change
White collar
97
Blue collar
23
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 97 80.8% -12.6%
Blue collar 23 19.2% -4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
15%
Private companies
65%
Governmental workers
14.2%
Not for profit companies
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 18 15% -33.3%
Private companies 78 65% -9.3%
Governmental workers 17 14.2% 41.7%
Not for profit companies 7 5.8% -30.0%

Transportation in Empire

How people get around in Empire

Commuting methods vary: 76.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 90 76.3% -15.9%
Bicycle 2 1.7% N/A
Walk 1 0.8% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Empire by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49630 1,390 685 $106,375 $163,380

Explore more communities

FAQs about Empire demographics 

What is the total population of Empire?

Empire has a total population of 341 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -11.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Empire?

The gender ratio in Empire is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (165 residents)
  • 51.6% females (176 residents)

What is the median age in Empire?

The median age in Empire is 63.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Empire?

The age distribution in Empire is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (60 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.4% (8 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.1% (48 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (78 residents)
  • Over 65: 43.1% (147 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Empire?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Empire is as follows:
  • White: 93.3% (318 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (23 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Empire are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.1% of the population in Empire.

How many housing units are there in Empire?

There are 321 housing units in Empire, reflecting a -6.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Empire and what is the average household size?

Empire has a total of 172 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Empire?

Empire has a median household income of $83,929, representing a +10.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Empire?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.8% (97 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.2% (23 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15% (18 residents)
  • Private companies: 65% (78 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.2% (17 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.8% (7 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025